Old Pearl written and illustrated by Wendy Wahman

 Memorial Day this past weekend had me thinking of all the losses that the world has suffered.  Yes we are slowly starting to recover but this recovery is tenuous at best.  As much as life is starting to be lived again, there will be moments when we can't help but remember the pain and loss of loved ones.  Children especially have had loss thrust upon them.  There have always been books about how to explain loss to children but it is nice to see a new book that is gentle and understanding.  It shows a child empathy and love along with friendship. 

Old Pearl written and illustrated by Wendy Wahman is such a sweet book.  It doesn't talk down to a child about loss nor does it become too sappy.  I love the smooth rhythm of the words and the soft and beautiful illustrations. As I read the book I could feel the love the child has for the bird come through the page. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who unfortunately needs to explain to a child about death, whether it be about someone close to them or not.  

Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler

 

A few months ago I came back into work after a few days off and saw that someone had dropped a galley on my desk.  The author had dropped it off hoping we could place it in the store.  She had worked here ,before my time, and knew the shop and the museum.   

It sat on my desk for a few days until one day during my lunch I picked it up and started reading.  It was interesting to see all the little details about The Met that I could relate to.  I laughed when she mentioned the pallet eraser because we still sell that.  It is a great companion title to From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler....the classic children's novel about children running away to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

As I read the story I realized it was more than just a book about kids roaming The Met. It was a story of love, loss, family and friendship.  Yes it is a story of a girl who wants to find out if her father, a famous painter, was thinking of her before he died but it is much more than that.  During this past year and a half we have all had to deal with loss and the feeling of helplessness that brings. For kids they have had to deal with issues most usually wouldn't see until they are adults.  

In this way Many Points of Me  by Caroline Gertler is a book for our times....children today have lived and are living through changes in friendships, families and sadly loss. They have had to grow up faster than most parents want them to, but children are resilient and I have faith they will persevere.   This books story brings this home, it doesn't talk down to the reader or give them situations they can't understand. 

Besides the universal story of friendship,  it gives a great behind the scenes look at how a museum works.  The fact that putting together an art exhibition is not something that is done overnight but takes time and thought.  As much as it takes place in the one of the most famous museums it could take place in any museum.  There are so many lesson plans that can surround this book that it would be great for classrooms too.  

The Couch Potato by Jory John illus by Pete Oswald



This has been a long strange year.  Back in March my work shut down and I didn’t go to work for over 5 months. I was able to do some small stuff at home but not much. I thought this would have been a perfect time to work on my blog.  Sadly I didn’t do much of anything all the time I was off except eat too much and watch a lot of bad TV. One of the reasons I loved today’s book is because I was pretty much a “couch potato” the whole time I wasn’t working. It wasn’t until I was about to go back to work that I started going out for walks and do things around my house. This is why The Couch Potato resonated with me so well.  

 

 

The Couch Potato by Jory John and Illustrated by Pete Oswald is the perfect book for these uncertain times.  This duo of Jory John and Pete Oswald has totally touched a nerve with a book that is so current and fresh. 

 

 

I love the illustrations, which are charming and expressive. The book is about a potato that loves sitting on his couch watching shows and playing video games. He actually reminds me of my little nephew who loves his games. But as always there is an ulterior motive in this duo’s stories. This story reminds children (and possibly some adults) that while it is ok to spend time relaxing and sitting on the couch it is good to go out and experience the natural world from time to time.  I don’t know if this book was in the works before so many were forced to stay home but their timing is perfect.  This is a great book to read to little ones to encourage them to go outside and have fun.  

World Make Way: New Poems Inspired by Art from The Metropolitan Museum edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins

                     During this unprecedented time in history it is easy to forget what day it is or in my case what month. I totally forgot that it is April, which means it is National Poetry Month.  At this point in time I am missing The Met Bookshop even more, it is my little corner of a great institution where I get to talk about things I love. While I enjoy talking about the museum itself, I love talking about books even more.  I especially love to talk about children's books.  I miss making book displays and introducing visitors and staff to all the wonderful titles we have to offer.  When visitors come into the store asking for a book that can introduce The Met to a child, it makes my day.  We have so many books to choose from that I take them to look at each and every one of them.

World Make Way: New Poems Inspired by Art from The Metropolitan Museum of Art   and edited by acclaimed poet Lee Bennett Hopkins is one of my favorite books to recommend.  It was one of the first books published after I started working at The Met which makes it very special in my memory.  More importantly, it is a wonderful book for the whole family.  It's the ideal gift for a family that has children of different ages.  Poetry is perfect....it is neither too young nor too old.

I also love this book because the poets involved really did write about actual art from The Met.  When the book was first released we celebrated by inviting a few poets to speak about the source of their inspiration.  Hearing the joy each poet had in writing their poetry was truly special.  Though Mr Hopkins has sadly passed away,  I am grateful that one of his last anthologies was for The Met. World Make Way is a beautiful legacy. 

Stone Giant: Michelangelo's David and How He Came to Be by Jane Sutcliffe illustrated by John Shelley

This month The Metropolitan Museum of Art opened a spectacular exhibit called:
Michelangelo: Divine Draftsman & Designer.  It is a wonderful exhibit that was years in the making. I think the reason it is so wonderful and intriguing is that most people know or think they know who Michelangelo is or was.  The exhibition shows all the work it took for  him to become legendary.  I wanted to showcase one of the books for children we are selling in the shop.  It is a great introduction for a child especially if they plan to visit the museum.

Stone Giant: Michelangelo's David and How He Came to Be by Jane Sutcliffe and illustrated by John Shelley tells the story of the creation of Michelangelo's iconic statue of David.  This wonderful book really shows Michelangelo's process in creating art.  I can only repeat what I wrote earlier that this is a perfect book to introduce and teach a child about a classic artist everyone loves.  A must have for the little artist in your life....

Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce

It has been a long time since I have been enthralled with a book.  I have always loved William Joyce, he is one of my favorite author/illustrators.  His range is amazing.  When I stumbled across today's book I was ---as I said above---enthralled.  This is the type of book that would have excited me as a child.  It has familiarity, adventure and excitement all wrapped up with great illustrations.  I loved the idea of this book.  I am sure others have seen the similarities to another childhood classic--The Velveteen Rabbit....but this book goes beyond making a "toy real" type story...it takes that sentiment to a whole new level.  In this day and age children like more of an adventure.  So Mr Joyce gives them that......at the same time giving validity to a child's love of a favorite toy.

Ollie's Odyssey by William Joyce is the charming and exciting tale of a child's connection to a beloved toy.  The magic of that one toy to foster a child's imagination.  This is a beginning chapter book for young readers.  It would also make a wonderful read aloud.  I can see it being read in school one chapter at a time.  I loved Ollie and I loved Billy....I also loved the villains...scary but not too scary. William Joyce has done it again.  He has brought us wonderful new characters to spend time with again and again....

The Moon's Almost Here by Patricia McLachlan and illustrated by Tomie dePaola

I can't believe it is over a month since I last posted.  It has been a crazy summer.  I did enjoy some time down the Jersey Shore with my family but other than that work has kept me busy.

I have many lists of books I want to talk about but as always a book jumps to the top of the list in an instant.  Last night I was at the library picking up a book I requested.  More on that later after I read it~~suffice to say I am looking forward to reading a book by one of my favorite authors.  Anyway while I was there I perused their new picture books on display.  I was bowled over by today's selection.

Oh and also while I was there I got the best compliment ever.  As I was putting the book back a patron asked me a question.  He thought I worked there.  That to me is an honor to behold.

The Moon's Almost Here written by Patricia McLachlan and illustrated by Tomie dePaola is my new favorite good night story.  It's soothing and lyrical text match perfectly with Tomie's sweet illustrations of his mime character Pierrot and his child.  I love how each page depicts a different animal going to sleep.
 Here is a taste:

The moon’s almost here.
Robin sings in her nest.
Babies fly back to her,
ready to rest

This simple text and wondrous illustrations beg to be read night after night.  I look forward to reading it soon to my little Benjamin.  He will love Tomie dePaola as much as my niece, his mother, did when she was little.  


This is a perfect new baby gift or birthday gift for all children.  A must have new book and instant classic.  

Popcorn Astronauts and Other Biteable Rhymes by Deborah Ruddell illustrated by Joan Rankin

Happy World Read Aloud Day!  That's right today is the day we celebrate the joy and importance of reading aloud to children.  I love the idea of this day because I truly believe that reading aloud to children will help them become readers when they grow up.  To all those who love to read to children I salute you......

In honor of the day I was going to recommend some great read aloud picture books....but then I thought that is usually what I do anyway.  My blog is filled with books that I know would make a great read aloud. I decided to do something a bit different---at least to me.  I am not recommending a picture book per-se but a poetry book.  This was one of the Cybils finalists in poetry that I was privileged to judge.  While it didn't ultimately win it still has great merit and distinction.

  

Popcorn Astronauts and other Biteable Rhymes by Deborah Ruddell and illustrated by Joan Rankin is one of the most fun books I have recently read.  This is such a quirky and lively book that it begs to be read aloud.  This would be a fun story time book with a group of children because there are so many possibilities.  If I was still running a story time I would bring in all kinds of foods---as mentioned in the book and do all sorts of projects.  The popcorn itself is either a great snack or project source.  I also think children need to hear poetry as it helps the creative mind.  

This is a must have poetry book......

Planting a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Peter H Reynolds

Planting a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal with lovely illustrations by Peter H Reynolds is the perfect book for Valentines Day.  I love the whimsical nature of the text and the sweet spare illustrations.  This book is really about sharing love and goodness with the world.  I love how it takes a literally the age old expression "to plant a kiss" on someone.  I also love how this book can teach children how to be kind and loving without being preachy.  This is a Valentines Day book that can be read at any time of year.  

Outside the Box: A Book of Poems by Karma Wilson illustrated by Diane Goode

I was looking for something new to write about for Poetry Month that was fun to read.  There are so many new and wonderful poetry books but nothing was striking my fancy.  That is until I came across today's book.  At first I thought it was a new Shel Silverstein but on closer look I saw that it was by one of my favorite Picture book authors Karma Wilson.  She writes all those cute Bear books.  

Outside the Box: A Book of Poems by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Caldecott Honor recipient Diane Goode is a homage to the great Shel Silverstein.  They even dedicate the book to him.  While the illustrations might look like a Shel Silverstein book on closer examination they reminded me more of Dr Seuss. The poems  are quirky and refreshing.  They range from funny to poignant and back again. This is the kind of book that can be given to a family that has children of different ages.  The poems are great for grown ups too. This is a must have new poetry book for a child's bookshelf or a teacher's classroom.  

Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Did anyone see the moon last night? It was huge...it was still very large in the sky when I was out and about this morning at 7AM.  I was amazed that when I looked out my window in the middle of the night that the moon was so bright there were shadows on the ground.  It was a beautiful and inspiring sight to see.

It reminded me of today's book.

Kitten's First Full Moon written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes is a Caldecott award winning book.  Even thought the book is illustrated in black and white it still is able to convey the brightness of the moon.  Actually the shadows I saw last night outside my window were in black and white which reminded by of this book.  While the story is not a story of the Harvest Moon the images are magical and sweet.  This is a great read aloud book that is one of my favorites.  It is a great book to read by the light of the moon.....


Here is a video of the story....really sweetly done.

Two great New Board Books: Dive In! and Dig In! by April Jones Prince illustrated by Michelle Berg

It has been a busy summer. So busy I haven't had time to post any new books.   I am hoping to get back into the swing of things.  I have been working part time at a really great independent called Well Read (New & Used) Books in Hawthorne NJ.  It is great because I get see new books and old favorites as they come in the door and onto shelves.  I just really loved today's new board books.

Dig In! and it's companion Dive In! by April Jones Prince and illustrated so sweetly by Michelle Berg are two new interactive board books that are about construction sites.  I have construction on my mind because of all the work that is being done around my neighborhood.  It seems like there is a new detour every day.  Anyway I know how children can be mesmerized by construction vehicles in general so these two books would make great additions to a child's bookshelf.  They have the cutest little mice doing the construction but it is what they are "building" is a surprise at the end.  Easy to read with movable parts that will keep little fingers busy.  Great books to read during a lazy summer's day.                    

That is Not a Good Idea! by Mo Willems

I love when I find a book that will appeal to both a child and an adult.


Mo Willems presents That is Not a Good Idea! is a funny new book by the Caldecott author of all the Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny and Piggie books.   What I loved about this book is the how it is supposed to be like an old silent movie.  It is all dialogue with repetitive phrases which makes it a great story time/read aloud book.  It has a bit of dark humor about it so parents might want to read it first before reading it to their children.  Most kids won't mind the somewhat surprise ending but some kids might be sensitive.  I actually think this is one of those books that would make a great gift for a grown up to enjoy.  

Flashback Tuesday: Leaf Men by William Joyce

I originally wrote this post a few years ago.  It is still one of my favorite books.   Low and behold they have made a movie based on the book called EPIC.  It looks like a great movie....exciting and thrilling. While it isn't the story of the actual book it has enough of it's essence to make me want to see it.  I almost feel like the original book (by the wonderful William Joyce) is the perfect introduction to the film.  A sort of prequel.  I truly recommend reading the original book before you see the movie.  



(My original posting from 2010  follows----still relevant!)

I was reminded this past weekend of one of my favorite books.  While I was visiting my sisters new house she gave me a tour of her garden.   The previous owner was an avid gardener so there was much to look at.   My sister likes to garden too and I know that the garden was a huge selling point for her.   While she was showing me one section I saw three little ceramic birds just sitting there....she had told that when she was clearing out that section of the garden she just found them sitting there among the leaves.   It reminded me of the book I am suggesting today.

The Leaf Men (& the Brave Good Bugs)  by William Joyce is about a magical garden that has bugs saving the day and a "mysterious long lost toy" ~ which is what finding the ceramic birds reminded me of.   This is truly a special book about love and friendship.   I love books that bring magic and imagination to life.....as the old woman in the book says "....anything can happen on a beautiful moonlit night"....

Perfect for this time of year as gardens start to bloom....

A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant illus by Melissa Sweet

I love doing research for new books.  I am constantly on the look out for a new book that will excite me.   I was going through publishers online catalogs when I came across today's book.   I loved the title and the cover but had never heard of Horace Pippin.   The great thing about how online catalogs have evolved is that we can now see inside the books ----not just read the copy on the page.   What I found fascinating about Horace Pippin was that I did know him by his art,  I just never caught his name before.

A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin written by Jen Bryant and illustrated beautifully by Melissa Sweet (she is a favorite of mine) is a great picture book biography of an American artist with a truly inspiring story.  When I read about this book I got curious so I looked up his art and realized I had seen his work before.   This is a great book to read to children to not only introduce them to great art but to teach them that if they persevere they can do anything.   Horace Pippin's story is inspirational because he was able to overcome serious injury just to regain what he loved to do best.  Jen Bryant weaves her words to tell us the story of a man who  loved  drawing and how after being disabled during WW I he fought to regain his abilities.   I love how Melissa Sweet's illustrations complement the words and Mr Pippin's art as well.   His paintings are distinctive, thought provoking and very diverse.   He is a true American Master.   This is a must have book for any child's library.

He was born on February 22, 1888 so tomorrow would be the anniversary of his birth ~ which makes it a perfect time to celebrate his life.  

The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot! by Scott Magoon

I always love a book that has a moral but tells it subtly.  I also love a fractured fairy tale or at least a new spin on an old story.   Such is the case with today's book. 

The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot written and illustrated by Scott Magoon is a retelling of the The Boy Who Cried Wolf.   Ben is a boy who tries to convince his family and friends that he has seen Bigfoot.   He goes to great lengths to prove it too.   I loved the illustrations in this book.   The fact that Mr Magoon sets his story in the past is quite charming.   There is plenty of humor for both kids and adults to find enjoyment in.  I especially love his little puppy who is so expressive!  Best of all it teaches a lesson about honesty without being preachy.   The boy learns a good lesson about telling the truth, repentance and forgiveness.   I always feel parables are a great way to learn something.    A must have new book.  

Oh visit the author's website....great background on the book plus famous video of "Bigfoot"! Click below:

Scott Magoon

The Boo! Book by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli

Autumn has officially arrived and Halloween is just around the corner.   I came across today's book and loved it immediately.   It is not necessarily a Halloween book and it really isn't scary but I like the sweetness of the story.

The Boo! Book by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer and illustrated beautifully by Nicoletta Ceccoli is a charming little story with illustrations that I love.   It is about a book that is haunted and the mischief that follows.  It has a  fun mixture of playful words and a surprise ending.  This is the kind of book to read with a child on blustery fall evening.  Perfect for bedtime since it really isn't scary at all.  A cozy kind of book that helps make imagination soar.   It is not a boisterous story but a mellow one even if it is about ghosts.   This is a classic storybook that will really can be read any time of the year.   A must have book for the bookshelf!

Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson

Who doesn't like sequels?   Sometimes sequels are not as good as the original but sometimes they can be a pleasant surprise as in today's book:

  

Goldilocks and the Just One Bear written and illustrated by Leigh Hodkinson is a sequel that totally surprised me.   I have mentioned before and will probably mention again that I love fractured fairy tales.    This takes that idea to a new level.  When I saw this book in the library I was intrigued by the title and the cover art.   I knew it was going to be a "new" version of the fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  As I was reading it I realized it wasn't just a new version but the story of what happened to Goldilocks when she grew up. I also recognized the illustrations as being similar to  the Boris books I like so much and was to discover it is the same author. I love the expression's on the bear's face--priceless.  This is a really fun story to read aloud.   I think this is the perfect story time book or bedtime book.   It is the kind of book that is just read straight through but discussed as it is read.   I like all the comparisons to the original fairy tale and the little twist at the end.   Not a surprising twist but one a child would understand.   It really is a clever book.   A must have for the classroom or child's library.   

Flashback Tuesday: Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson

I don’t often write about Young Reader Books but during a Labor Day barbecue, a friend’s daughter mentioned she still had to complete her summer reading project. My little friend is one heck of a soccer goalie and like many kids, would rather play sports than read. I teased her because she only had a few days left - but  I also began thinking about the Newbery Award winning book my little friend had just read.

Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson is a book about sibling rivalry. The narrator of the story, Sara Louise, is jealous of her twin sister, Caroline. If Sara Louise is ever to grow up and become her own person, she must must break free and let go of her resentment towards Caroline.  

I know a few siblings in a similar situation.  The older sibling has always been the favored one while the younger sibling struggled to make her way in the world. Although the parents loved each child equally, the older one was more talented, more accomplished. 

 My little friend doesn’t understand sibling rivalry.  She has a great sense of self and seems to get along with her siblings. I too never felt that way. I have always loved my siblings and have been proud of their accomplishments. I knew my parents loved us all equally.  In fact my Mother always said we were all her favorites....  

In the book  Jacob Have I Loved, Sara Louise learns to find her way without burning bridges or becoming selfish.   She breaks free of her sister's shadow and becomes a better person in the end.  

My young friend is still in the process of growing up and perhaps, the final revelations may be lost on her.   Jacob Have I Loved is the kind of children's book that isn't just for children. Young Reader books such as this one are sometimes best understood when shared with a caring adult!

Another Brother by Matthew Cordell

My brother Michael has three boys.    When they were younger his oldest son Daniel used to hate it when his youngest brother JoJo followed him around.   JoJo always wanted to do everything Daniel did.....he was the proverbial annoying younger brother.

Another Brother by Matthew Cordell reminded me of Daniel and JoJo.   Daniel was constantly complaining that his brother was copying him or wanting to hang out with him.  Little Davy reminds me so much of my nephew although in Davy's case he gets 12 younger brothers who are constantly copying him which makes him crazy....that is until they stop....the pay off at the end is sweet....

I really liked this book because kids could relate to it and because it makes a perfect story time book.   It is a fun read that begs to be read aloud.   I also love the illustrations....the expressions Davy makes are priceless.   This is a great book for group participation in that there are repetitive stanzas and lots for children to look and and discuss.   I was always one to discuss the books as we read them.....makes for a more interesting story time....